Estate planning is important for everyone, whether single or married, old or young. Without a will, your "estate" (everything you own: house/apartment, bank account, stocks, cars, etc.) will be distributed under state intestacy laws, in ways you may never have wanted.

Writing a will, creating a trust, or both, will help ensure that your assets go to those you intend after your death. Other kinds of trusts are used to control the use and management of your assets while you are alive. And writing your advanced directive, often called a "living will", will serve as your specific instructions for your health care and the management of your assets in the event of your infirmity or temporary incapacity.